Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: BiggLuke on June 27, 2011, 01:06:45 PM

Title: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: BiggLuke on June 27, 2011, 01:06:45 PM: Hi there.
Long time Hunter, new to Washing Forums boards...

I've been hunting Grouse successfully now for years, and have had tone of success over here on the west side for Ruffed grouse and Both species of Blues.
What I'm lacking however, is that I've yet been able to procure my first SPRUCE grouse.

Now... living in Bremerton, yes, I'm aware that Spruce grouse do not live on the west side, and in fact are pretty uncommon even way over in the Mountains north of Spokane.

But... I know they exist!

I need help. I have been all over the state in search of my "Holy Grail".

Anyone have any advice where I might have better luck this September?

Any words of wisdom will be helpfull.
Thank You.
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: bobcat on June 27, 2011, 10:38:51 PM: On a grouse hunt about 12 years ago, we saw more spruce grouse than any other kind of grouse (and killed limits of them). This was in the Sherman unit but I really can't recall exactly where we were, and even if I did, I probably wouldn't post it on here. But that's a starting point for ya, and that's where I would go if I was looking for spruce grouse. Oh, we also killed a few and saw many, about five years ago in the Pasayten. But that was 15 miles in on horses and I don't think I'd do that just for a grouse hunt.
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: turkey buster on June 27, 2011, 10:44:12 PM: Ive killed one up on white pass about 15 yrs ago, look for dog hair thickets, look in the tree's they will let you walk rite by them
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: CP on June 28, 2011, 08:21:49 AM: They have to be the stupidest of all the grouse species; you can usually walk right up to them. I see them mostly in the spring strutting their stuff, but they can be found in the fall.

Try the mountains West of lake Chelan.
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: piledup on June 28, 2011, 08:54:59 AM: I've only encountered spruces up in the NE corner of the state and they are for sure, the most dumbest grouse of the grouse family. The sherman unit is where I find them most though. ;)
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: BiggLuke on June 28, 2011, 09:00:39 AM: Sherman unit is a good start..... and no, I don't go in on horse back.
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: bobcat on June 28, 2011, 09:02:39 AM: We were hunting on roads in the Sherman unit (yes, road hunting). :yike:

It was in the Pasayten where we went in on horses (if you were referring to my post).
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: BiggLuke on June 28, 2011, 09:08:33 AM: Word... most of my Grouse "Hunting" is while driving from Spot A to Spot B while Deer hunting. I get it though :) Thanks for the Help.
Guess I need to just get lucky to finish off my Grand Slam. (of Grouse)
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: Curly on June 28, 2011, 11:42:21 AM: Quote from: turkey buster on June 27, 2011, 10:44:12 PM
Ive killed one up on white pass about 15 yrs ago, look for dog hair thickets, look in the tree's they will let you walk rite by them

I killed one too up off of White pass around that time.
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: MtnMuley on June 28, 2011, 11:55:02 AM: Find lodgepole pines in the highest elevations you can find. Locate the water near there, and there will/should be "Franklin's". We don't shoot them, as they are usually easier to catch, and are also pretty dark meated.
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: BiggLuke on June 29, 2011, 08:57:07 AM: Yeah, thanks Muley.
Lodgepoles is a great tip an old timer told me up in Republic last year.
If I catch one... Dude... I will totally take picture. lol
Title: Re: Spruce Grouse???
Post by: RadSav on July 17, 2011, 01:45:32 AM: Heaviest population I have seen is around Buck Meadows on Manastash Ridge. Seem to like the wet ground in the lodge poles close to steep rocks. Don't know why as they never seem to fly to safety there.

I was hungry and parched last time I was up there. Bend down to take a drink from a spring and when I looked up there were three about two feet away from my head. Wholly Crap! Where'd they come from. Grabbed a stick and whacked one over the head. The other two just looked at me and waited their turn. Too stupid to kill more than I wanted to eat so they stood there and watched me fire up the stove and have lunch. Was nice to have the company. Added to some cup-o-soup - tasty.

Beautiful birds. I'm going to get one mounted one of these days. Would go great with a leaping puddy tat.